OK, maybe it’s not a thing — but I’m making it one!

Lately, I’ve been noticing the excuses we all make — and yep, I’m including myself here. Why do we feel the need to lie? I’m not saying we’re all out here doing it deliberately or even consciously, but let’s be real: half the time, we don’t even realise we’re doing it. We don’t stop to get curious about what we’re actually saying or how we’re really feeling.

Take this for example: I used to tell my mates I was “tired” on Friday nights after a long week of teaching. Exhausted? Sure, sometimes. But the truth? I just wanted to hang out with my best mate, Pokes. She was part staffy, part goofball, and 100% love. I’d left her at home all day, so my idea of a perfect Friday was walking the beach with her, flopping on the couch, or doing a whole lot of sweet nothing. But instead of just saying that, I’d say, “Oh, I’m tired.” Why? Because it was easier. And, let’s be honest, it felt more socially acceptable than, “I don’t want to talk to humans right now.”

Excuses are sneaky little fuckas, aren’t they? I still catch myself making them. But now I’ve learned to question them. Do I really not want to do the thing, or am I just anxious? Am I scared? Because if it’s fear — that’s my moment to shine. Fear doesn’t get to run the show. I once did a retreat and walked away with this little nugget: “If it’s not a ‘fuck yes,’ it’s a no.” Simple, but life-changing.

The thing is, “I’m tired” seems to be everyone’s go-to excuse. It’s the socially acceptable way of saying:

• “I can’t be bothered.”

• “I’m feeling lazy.”

• “I’m scared to try.”

But here’s the million-dollar question: Are you actually tired? Or is something else going on? If you’re always tired and you’re not unwell, maybe it’s time to get curious about your “tired.”

I reckon half the time, we’re not truly recognising our needs. What does balance look like for you? Because for me, it changes every single day.

• If I’m physically tired, balance means rest.

• If I’ve been sitting too long, balance means movement.

• If I’m mentally drained, I might think I’m physically tired — but I’ve learned that lying down to doom scroll isn’t the answer. Movement is. Sunshine, nature, oxygen. Magic.

So, let’s check in for a sec:

• Are you hydrated?

• Are you eating properly?

• Are you sleeping enough?

• Are you moving your body?

Or are you just stuck in a “tired” loop because it’s easier than pushing through the discomfort or questioning your lifestyle?

For me, “tired” or “sick” aren’t default options anymore. If I’m physically exhausted, I sleep. That’s it. Not food. Not drinks. Not Netflix. Just sleep. I used to care about what time it was — “It’s too early for bed!” — but now? If my body says sleep, I listen. Because pushing through never ends well.

And when I’m mentally drained? Movement. A swim, a surf, a walk. Give me an hour, and I’m a new human. That “tired” story? Gone. All I needed was some fresh air and oxygen in my lungs to breathe myself back to life. Funny how a few conscious, deep breaths can change everything.

Next time you catch yourself saying, “I’m tired,” maybe pause and ask: Am I really tired? Or am I avoiding something? Is it fear? Resistance? Or just one of the million excuses we all lean on?

• “I don’t have time.”

• “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

• “It’s too hard.”

• “I’m not good enough.”

• “It’s not the right moment.”

Let’s be honest: most of those are just fear in disguise.

Since Pokes went over the rainbow bridge, my excuses have shifted. My job is ridiculously social, and on my days off, I’ll still say, “I’m tired.” But the truth? I’m tired… of people. What I really mean is, “I need space to recharge my social battery.” And you know what? That’s okay. I love people. I want friends. But I also love my own company. Every day, I’m just finding the balance.

So, day by day, I choose action. I rest when I need to. I move when I can. And most importantly? I question my own excuses. Because on the other side of those excuses? That’s where the good stuff lives.

Here’s a challenge for you: Next time you feel an excuse bubbling up, try this: say nothing and just do the thing. Or be honest — at least with yourself — about why you don’t want to. If you can’t say it out loud, that’s okay. Just admit it to yourself. I also find journaling helps. When you reach the actual problem, maybe question if this is the you that you truly want to be.

So, what’s your go-to excuse when you can’t be bothered, are feeling lazy, or just don’t want to do the thing? Let’s talk about it.